The Business of Biotech

Biotech is a special breed of business, especially in the start-up and early phases. Whether you are considering joining a biotech start-up or want to be successful in a life science organization, it pays to understand biotech business fundamentals.

The goal of the course is to expose bioscience professionals and entrepreneurs to the life cycle of a biotech company. The format is highly interactive and learning is enhanced by case studies, team presentations and exercises.

Topics include:

Disruptive innovation – Understand the accepted theory and how to make use of it

FDA regulation – Pathways and times to approval for drugs, devices and biologics

Biotech business models -- Learn the 8 biotech business models and risk/reward of each

Business development – Analyze/value the acquisition of a license or a corporate entity

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Judge the probability of financial success of a startup or early-stage biotech

Analyze the many biotech business models and functional activities for employment or investment

Assess the match between technology and documented market needs

Distinguish between an unproven idea and solid proof of concept

Analyze intellectual property and license agreements

Understand the current regulatory environment

Understand and select financing alternatives

Conceive of low-risk products using disruptive technologies for new and unserved markets

The course is structured, yet informal, and engages students in workshop fashion. Most classes start with a discussion of the materials followed by a group exercise and conclude with a team presentation of a Harvard Business School biotech case. Projects measure and enhance your entrepreneurial abilities, interpersonal team skills, written communications and oral presentation abilities.

Student Testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned a tremendous amount. This has probably been one of the best courses I've ever taken. You are a natural teacher and your participatory approach really works!"
-Theodore Georgis

"I can hardly believe the class is coming to an end so soon. Nine classes seem to be just the beginning…. we are ready to have a year-long course on biobusiness."
-Helen Chen

Note: Space is very limited. Early enrollment is strongly recommended. Expect to spend up to 6 hours of preparation for each class. Attendance at the first class is mandatory. A discount is available to current Post Docs. Please contact department at (858) 534-9353 or unexbio@ucsd.edu for more information.

Dr. Lutz has a Ph.D. from MIT and started his career as a research physicist at Hughes Research Labs developing high current/voltage DC circuit interrupters. He then transferred to Lawrence Livermore Labs to develop plasma tools for laser isotope separation. After receiving his MBA from Stanford, he spent 12 years as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur where he and his partner pioneered the first PC-FAX modem, before the availability of the internet. He then shifted focus to molecular biology and, as VP of the Tech Coast Angels, originated the BioMedTrak where he personally showcased over 60 Southern California biotech companies and invested in multiple startups. His favorite sideline is teaching courses on High Technology Ventures and the Business of Biotech.

TEXTBOOKS:

No textbook required.

POLICIES:

No refunds after: 1/10/2018.

Note:

DATE

DAY

START

END

LOCATION

1/9/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

1/16/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

1/23/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

1/30/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

2/6/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

2/13/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

2/20/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

2/27/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

3/6/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

3/13/2018

Tue

6:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Room 101, UCSD Extension Complex, 9600 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

There are no sections of this course currently scheduled. Please contact the Science & Technology department at 858-534-3229 or unex-sciencetech@ucsd.edu for information about when this course will be offered again.